Windows 8.1 VirtualMachine: Cant Find OS Images - VirtualBox Setup Help

Abstract: Troubleshooting guide for users experiencing issues installing Windows 8.1 in VirtualBox due to missing OS images.

Created: 2024-05-28 by UserComp.com Editors

Windows 8.1 Virtual Machine: Can't Find OS Images - VirtualBox Setup Help

If you're having trouble installing a Windows 8.1 virtual machine using VirtualBox because you can't find the OS images, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of setting up a Windows 8.1 virtual machine on VirtualBox, including how to find and install the OS images.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

A host machine running a compatible operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
Oracle VirtualBox installed on the host machine
A valid Windows 8.1 installation media (ISO file or DVD)

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

Launch VirtualBox and click on the "New" button to create a new virtual machine.


<button>New</button>

In the "Create Virtual Machine" dialog box, enter the following information:

Name: Windows 8.1
Type: Microsoft Windows
Version: Windows 8.1 (64-bit) or Windows 8.1 (32-bit), depending on your installation media
Memory size: at least 2048 MB (2 GB)
Hard drive: Create a new virtual hard drive now

Click "Create" to continue.

Step 2: Configure the Virtual Hard Drive

In the "Hard Drive" dialog box, configure the virtual hard drive as follows:

Storage on physical hard drive: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
Location: leave as default
Size: at least 20 GB

Click "Create" to create the virtual hard drive.

Step 3: Mount the Windows 8.1 Installation Media

Select the newly created virtual machine and click on the "Settings" button.


<button>Settings</button>

In the "Settings" dialog box, click on the "Storage" tab. Under "Controller: SATA", click on the "Add Hard Disk" button (the icon with a hard drive and a plus sign).


<button icon="hard-drive-plus"/>

In the "Add Hard Disk" dialog box, select "Choose a disk file" and browse to the location of your Windows 8.1 installation media (ISO file or DVD).


<button icon="folder-open"/>
...
<select>Choose a disk file...</select>

Click "OK" to close the "Add Hard Disk" dialog box, and then click "OK" again to close the "Settings" dialog box.

Step 4: Start the Virtual Machine

Select the virtual machine and click on the "Start" button.


<button>Start</button>

The virtual machine should now start up and display the Windows 8.1 installation screen.

Step 5: Install Windows 8.1

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 8.1 on the virtual machine. When prompted, select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to perform a custom installation.

Once the installation is complete, you should be able to use Windows 8.1 in a virtual machine on VirtualBox.

In this article, we've covered the following topics:

Prerequisites for installing a Windows 8.1 virtual machine on VirtualBox
Creating a new virtual machine in VirtualBox
Configuring the virtual hard drive in VirtualBox
Mounting the Windows 8.1 installation media in VirtualBox
Starting the virtual machine and installing Windows 8.1

References

Book: VirtualBox: Ultimate Guide to
Article: VirtualBox User Manual
Online Resource: VirtualBox Downloads

Tags: Windows VirtualBox VirtualMachine OS Images

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